Head of Programme Operations at WaterAid Nigeria

Abuja
February 13, 2026
₦64,968,462 - ₦90,955,847 / year
Full Time
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Job Description

The Head of Programme Operations provides strategic and operational leadership to strengthen international programme delivery, systems, risk management, and compliance. This senior role supports high-quality programme performance across multiple countries, ensuring operational readiness for donor-funded projects and continuous improvement of programme operations frameworks.

Location: Abuja
Job Type: Contract – Permanent (Full-Time)
Salary: ₦64,968,462 – ₦90,955,847 per annum
Application Deadline: 3rd March, 2026 (12:00 PM UK time)

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programme operations frameworks across international programmes.
  • Provide strategic and operational leadership across business management, systems, risk, and compliance.
  • Oversee business management processes, including financial planning, performance reporting, and operational risk management.
  • Partner with programme funding teams to ensure operational readiness for new donor opportunities and effective grant start-up and close-out.
  • Lead operational assurance processes and strengthen compliance with donor and organisational requirements.
  • Provide senior-level troubleshooting support on complex operational and management challenges.
  • Support capacity strengthening across regional and country teams.

Requirements

  • Proven experience managing or overseeing large-scale international programme operations within the INGO or development sector.
  • Strong understanding of operational systems, including finance, procurement, logistics, and compliance in multi-country environments.
  • Advanced IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office tools and relevant data systems for planning, monitoring, and reporting.
  • Demonstrated experience leading teams, motivating others, and driving organisational change.
  • Strong leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills across complex matrix structures and cultures.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking capabilities.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of donor compliance and grant management processes.
  • Working style aligned with organisational values of respect, accountability, courage, collaboration, integrity, and innovation.

Desirable

  • Experience in WASH, public health, or community development sectors.
  • Experience working with both restricted and unrestricted funding portfolios.
  • Relevant university degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • Familiarity with operating models and country programmes within the organisation.

Additional Information
The role may be based in London, United Kingdom; Abuja, Nigeria; or Kigali, Rwanda, subject to right-to-work eligibility. For UK-based candidates, a hybrid working model applies with a minimum of 40% face-to-face working time.

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